Located in the heart of Galway’s ‘Latin Quarter’ and steeped in history, The Kings Head is an 800-year-old pub that has been owned and run by Paul and Mary Grealish since 1989. A relatively small frontage belies the extent of this landmark pub, which reveals itself over three storeys, offering live music every night, craft beers (including their own Kings Head ‘Blood Red Ale’, from local craft brewers, Galway Hooker), cocktails, bar food and a bistro. Menus are underpinned by a longstanding commitment to sourcing fresh, local and seasonal produce from artisan suppliers – or, as they put it, “...pub food, only better!”
Part of Galway’s medieval history, The King's Head has historical links to the beheading of King Charles 1 in 1649 and was once the Mayor’s House. The original medieval walls, windows and medieval fireplace dated 1612 provide its unique atmosphere. It caters to a broad audience to fill its seats and does so with style. Cosy and casual, the thick stone walls are hung with tapestries and an upstairs gallery overlooks the action on stage. In the evenings those who want to eat are encouraged up here to separate the diners from the tipplers.
At night it’s a very popular watering hole for students, locals and tourists. At more than eight hundred years old, this popular bar is known for great live music and comedy, sport on the big screen, and the fresh food served every day.
The ongoing commitment to sourcing the best local produce is very evident: free-range chicken from the Friendly Farmer in Athenry features, as does organic pork and sausages from Andarl Farm, smoked Connemara lamb from McGeough's of Oughterard, organic vegetables from Sloe Hill Farm, Sliabh Aughty honey, Galway Bay seafoods and bread from the Petit Delice bakery.
In 2015 proprietors Paul and Mary Grealish made some major changes that saw the transformation of the long-established adjoining business, The Malt House, which they had owned for eleven years, into The Kings Head Bistro, which features a cosy wood-clad dining room, bar and courtyard.
The bistro serves the same great food as the pub, with one menu throughout. The menu is short and to the point. Fresh local seafood features prominently including lobster, crab claws and scallop. Traditional Irish stew, Kellys oysters on the half shell and a pint of creamy Guinness is a great Irish treat.
